Sakaja Sticks With Matatu Ban Despite Gachagua Warning

A collage image of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja addressing the media on January 5, 2022  (left) and long distance buses within the CBD (right).
A collage image of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja addressing the media on January 5, 2022 (left) and long distance buses within the CBD (right).
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Johnson Sakaja

Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja vowed to continue with his transformation of the city after he came under sharp criticism over the relocation of long-distance Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) out of the Central Business District (CBD).

Speaking during an interview on Thursday, January 5, Sakaja explained the move was necessary in improving Nairobi's transport sector.

The governor was speaking for the first time after he was openly criticised by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders from the Mt Kenya region.

“I have heard people saying that Nairobi was like this before I was born but I want to tell them that is why I am the governor. 

President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at State House Nairobi on January 2, 2022..jpg
President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at State House Nairobi on January 2, 2022.
Njoki Wa Mathira

"We must change our city and there is no shortcut about that,” he stated. 

Further, Sakaja alluded to the fact that the capital needed to be at par with other international cities from all over the world.

“Nairobi is not competing with Kisumu or any other city, we are competing with other international cities and to achieve that we have to make some changes,” the governor affirmed.

Sakaja's move to relocate long-distance PSVs from the CBC saw him face impeachment threats barely four months after being sworn him.

At the time of making the changes, Sakaja stated that the move would help decongest the city and improve the flow of traffic.

In the move, all PSVs from Nyanza, Western, North Rift, South Rift, and Central Rift were relocated to the Green Park Terminus.

However, Gachagua and his allies noted that the move would affect a number of businesses.

“Anything that he decides on that may affect your business in Nairobi. We must first talk and agree. There is no hurry. The issue of ejecting matatus from Nairobi will not happen," he stated.

On the other hand, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga stated that the governor would be impeached even as he accused the governor of disrespecting Gachagua.

Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga
Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga
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